In Part 1, the book describes the very latest thinking on solar physics in (mostly non-mathematical) detail, incorporating the latest results from research concerning the structure and behaviour of the Sun. There is particular emphasis on the surface features visible from the Earth, and how these are the result of the extraordinary processes that are taking place within the Sun.In Part 2, the book details the techniques for observing and imaging the Sun with commercially-available equipment. The many recent advances in optical equipment now allow amateur astronomers to observe phenomena that until recently could only be seen with the extremely expensive equipment available at universities and research observatories - notably H-alpha and Calcium-K telescopes. This is a completely up-to-date solar observing book, while providing the science background necessary for an understanding of the observations with the latest equipment. It also features the most complete solar observing and imaging guide available.

Jamey Jenkins has been a regular contributor to the Sunspot Program of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) since 1990 and an active observer for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) Solar Section since 1998. He has been Assistant Section Coordinator of that group for the last three years. He has also published numerous articles and images in Sky & Telescope and The Strolling Astronomer.